Hudson Valley

Hayrides and Fall Farm Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 10:00am

Hayrides are our favorite mode of transportation when it comes to fall fun. We've gathered up some of our favorite family farms and orchards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with hayrides and other awesome autumn activities, including apple picking and corn mazes.

Many of these hayrides are free, or at least included with the admission price.

For more ideas for kid-friendly fall fun, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 12:00pm

Get ready to get lost in an amazing corn maze at family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. In addition to corn mazes, the farms on this list offer other fall activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and more—so you can make it a day filled with fall fun.

For even more ideas, be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

Fall Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Apples, Pumpkins, Cider

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/25/2019 - 3:00pm

Usher in autumn in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with a host of family-friendly fall festivals and fairs. The area's harvest celebrations are packed with seasonal appeal for kids, including pumpkin fun, hayrides, scarecrows, doughnuts, apples, games, and more.

We've rounded up details on the best upcoming fall festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, several of which made our September GoList. And be sure to consult our guide to the best places for apple picking, many of which include festival-like added attractions.

Looking for more fall family fun? Get the most out of the season by subscribing to our newsletters and following us on Facebook. Heading in a different direction? Check out fall festivals happening in NYC and New Jersey.

Where To Go Apple Picking with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 08/24/2019 - 9:00am

Apple picking season is here! I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention the fresh-pressed apple cider and hot, delicious cider doughnuts! Many Westchester and Hudson Valley farms also have family-friendly entertainment and activities including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.

So get your apple recipes ready and read on for our top picks for apple picking with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Remember to contact the farms before heading out. Many are family-owned and -operated, and hours may change with little or no notice.

Looking for even more fun fall activities? Sign up for our newsletters.

Leaf Peeping: 9 Stunning Fall Foliage Spots in and Around Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 08/12/2019 - 1:00am

The transformation that takes place during fall foliage season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley is truly magical. With so many lovely parks and the some of the best spots for hiking, Westchester and the Hudson Valley provide countless stunning backdrops to enjoy the autumn leaves and scenery.

Whether you want to drive right up to a scenic spot or go for a walk in the woods (or take a cruise on the Hudson), we've got you covered. Read on for nine of our favorite fall foliage spots in and around Westchester.

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

Here are a few of our favorite places to go berry picking in the lower Hudson Valley, whether you decide to go for the morning or to make an entire day of it. Either way, be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has berries on hand.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:00pm

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

Hudson Valley Balloon Festival 2019 Returns to Rhinebeck, NY

Submitted by Sandy on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:00am

Huge, colorful, hot-air balloons will take to the skies above Rhinebeck next weekend for the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. This summertime family favorite features synchronized launches that decorate the sky with festive colors and eye-popping designs. Whether you choose to take a ride (tethered or otherwise), or watch with your feet firmly planted on the ground, the experience is well worth a day trip.

The 28th annual festival will continue to be held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck—from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14, 2019. Read on for details about this Insta-worthy festival, and consult our Summer Activity Guide for more fun all season long. If you haven't already, stay in the know about family attractions like this by signing up for our newsletters and following us on Facebook.

July GoList: The Best Things To Do with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/30/2019 - 11:00am

Summe r fun is in full swing for families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! Our July GoList features all the best events happening in July, including the colorful Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival and a high-end Jazz Festival developed in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The month kicks off with a slew of 4th of July fireworks and also features scads of FREE outdoor concerts and movie screenings, plus various summer festivals.

Notably, July 20 marks the 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing. Various venues are commemorating the occasion, including Westchester libraries, which are putting their own spin on ways to provide out-of-this-world fun. July also marks Harry Potter’s fictitious birthday, and various Potter birthday celebrations are planned.

Now get your calendars ready and read on for our top picks for July. And there’s plenty more where that came from in our Event Calendar (updated frequently!) and weekly newsletters.

Top Swimming Lakes and Rivers for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 10:00am

Pools and splash pads are great for summer fun—but when it comes to cooling off in the great outdoors, the Hudson Valley's lakes and rivers can't be beat. While you won’t find many in Westchester, the Hudson Valley in general offers plenty of places to jump in and go for a swim, including some that merit a day trip—or even an overnighter at a family campground. Here, we’ve rounded up several lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming with kids, from the Hudson River to Lake Taghkanic.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our full summer guide for great ideas for the whole family.